European Vacation - Italy

We're heading back out again with Al and Elle to Matteo's where tonight the first of four dinners titled, European Vacation with Raymond Capaldi takes place - each dinner features the cuisine of a different country and this week, it begins with Italy.

While it's a 3 course set menu there are a few options in the form of wine matching, antipasto and "Insalate e Contorni." Naturally we've gone the full option route!



This plate shows a serving for two.

While it probably made sense to eat these from left to right, none of us could resist those amazing candied globe artichokes. The gorgonzola cream was the definition of subtle balance. It's the type of sauce you keep looking for things to dip into it.


~Primo~



To drink: 2008 Pieropan Soave

This is a type of dish that when you read the description you're left thinking "okay, sounds interesting" but mere words fail to convey the depth of flavour and beauty of this offering.
The crustacean sauce had us wishing we hadn't been dipping quite so much of our bread into that gorgonzola cream. The agnolotti were quite large in size but perfectly cooked and filled with a chestnut puree.

~Principale~



To drink: 2006 Grove Estate Reserve Nebbiolo

Bollito Misto is basically a mix of boiled meats and vegetables and usually tends to be presented in various shades of grey but this was something special. The vibrancy and colour was incredible. A very generous serve but isn't that part of the beauty and generosity of Italian cuisine?

~Insalate e Contorni~








~Dolce~



To drink: 2006 Pellegrino Passito di Pantelleria DOC

A grilled wedge of Pannetone lightly drizzled with the reduced syrup from the poached quinces coupled with a boozy hit of marsala zabaglione. A lovely way to end the evening.

The details:

Matteo's
533 Brunswick Street, Nth Fitzroy
Phone: 9481 1177

Open:
Lunch: Sunday-Friday from noon
Dinner: 7 days from 6pm

web:
www.matteos.com.au